Every year at this time, memories of family get-togethers at my sister's home flood my mind. For a period of fifteen years, we would travel north from Pasadena, to Fresno, California, USA, to spend the American Thanksgiving holiday together. Before we set out for the trip, dad would say a prayer asking for divine safety. Memories of the car loaded with our belongings and delicious provisions lovingly prepared by my mother become very vivid; we were looking forward to sharing our enjoyment with the entire family. Arriving at our destination, we became so enriched by seeing those faces that we loved so much. As we gathered around the table giving our heartfelt thanks for life's bountiful blessings, our souls were filled with divine peace.

Although much has changed since then, I still have much to be grateful for. The godly example of my parents was instrumental in helping me to grow up with an attitude of thankfulness and a recognition of God's blessings, both small and great, in the many countless ways that He has provided. Many of us, however, as we receive more and more blessings, have a tendency to take them for granted; we become so accustomed to our blessings that we can lose our sense of gratitude.

Giving thanks is not optional. My thoughts take me to the biblical story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus:

Luke 17:15-19 – One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, "Praise God!" He fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" And Jesus said to the man, "Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you." (NLT)

We learn from this incident that we should be thankful for Jesus' compassion. The Samaritan leper who went back to Jesus received a special blessing that glorious day.

So, what is our attitude regarding thankfulness for all the blessings that we receive from the Lord each day? How can we share those blessings with others? The lepers were considered outcasts in their communities, yet Jesus loved them. Let us reach out in our own neighbourhoods, churches, and communities, and be willing to help those in need. Having a thankful spirit will produce untold blessings, not only for ourselves, but for the people around us as well.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we come to You with hearts full of thanks for all the blessings that we receive from Your holy Word. Most of all, we thank You for Your Son Jesus Who, through His death on the cross, gave us victory over the grave. We praise You for the gift of eternal life, and for the Holy Spirit Who guides us throughout this earthly journey. We ask for blessings on our loved ones and those who are less fortunate. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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1 Comment

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!
Beautiful devotional Parise. Thank you.
Beautiful. A very Happy Thanksgiving, Parise.
Thank you for this beautiful devotional and prayer.
Amen. May you and your family enjoy the many blessings from God.
Thank you, Parise,
Well-done and beautiful; true to the Word of our Lord.
Thanks for a good reflection today and I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.
Blessings.
Good morning, Parise. Thanks for the reminder to always count our many blessings and be grateful for all that God has done for us. Happy Thanksgiving and may your Christmas season be full of God’s richest blessings!
Dear Parise,
I am thankful for you. Your parents would be very proud to see all you have accomplished and how God is using your gift of writing to bless others. This is a beautiful testimony and a reminder that we should offer praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, not only on Thanksgiving, but throughout every day of the year. May we praise Him for all that He is and what He has done in our lives!
Parise,
I thank God for you each day, you are and inspiration to us. We just read your Thanksgiving Devotional and it brought back many wonderful memories and it is sad those days can not be created again. Today I am printing a copy for each at the table to read before our meal.
But we are very thankful for the memories and the blessings our Lord has provided us.
We are grateful our Lord had given you one of many talents.
Dearest Parise!
Amen to your prayer.
The children I teach in Sunday School sometimes bend pipe cleaners to look like frames for eyeglasses then put on their pretend glasses.
When I see one of them do that, I comment, “Can we see God?”. The child will answer, ” No”
Then I say, “When we put on thankfulness like glasses we see God’s work.”
Enjoy your holiday today.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO MY DEAR NEW FRIEND PARISE!
The older we get the more memories become important.
I have planned for a long time to start writing some important memories.
My family were all talented. My mother was a Prayer Warrior like I have never known and I have been around many. I learned more from her than all of the teachers and preachers I ever met.
They’re all in heaven and what an incredible reunion I have to look forward to. I’m in my 90’s and am enjoying very good health, so will have a few more years, the Lord willing.
You are a very gifted writer.
Thank you. May the Lord bless you real good.
(Ca.)
It is said “A little child shall lead them”. When I heard one child thank God for the salt and pepper I was humbled.

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Revelation 3:14, 20 – These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. … "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (NIV)